Competency Model: Professional Development of Leisure Scuba Diving Instructors in China

Scuba diving specialization is a multidimensional index consisting of behavioral, cognitive, and affective domains. Based on the literature, the recreational scuba divers’ specialization was an interesting research topic to understand further the competency of leisure scuba diving instructors and prepare for their professional development. Leisure diving instructors need to carry out important duties such as teaching, underwater tour guides, safety protection, and equipment installation. The limitations of recreational scuba divers in China impact their specialization and competency as instructors. The study examined the qualities of an excellent leisure scuba diving instructor and the necessary professional enhancement they needed to become excellent leisure scuba diving instructors. Through qualitative methods, it revealed that leisure scuba diving instructors in China were 31 years old and older and possessed positive competencies in terms of their diving professional knowledge, skills, and attitude. However, they were average or unexceptional in their career opportunities, training, and mentorship and scored low in underwater photography, post-conference with students, and self-evaluations which were integrated into the professional development program as the output of the study.